2018 10 15 Downtown Parks Public Realm Plan Public Space Public Life Study

Downtown
Parks
and
Public
Realm
Plan:
Public Space
Public Life
Study
Downtown Parks and Public Realm Plan:
Public Space Public Life Study
Acknowledgements
We acknowledge that the City of Toronto is located

on the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat
Confederacy, the Haudenasaunee Confederacy, the
Mississaugas of New Credit First Nation, and the
Métis people, and is home to many diverse Indigenous
peoples. We acknowledge them and others who care for
the land as its past, present and future stewards.
Prepared for the City of Toronto

2018
City of Toronto team:
City Planning
Parks, Forestry and Recreation
Transportation Services
Prepared by:
Gehl Studio
PUBLIC WORK
In collaboration with:
SWERHUN ASSOCIATES
SAM SCHWARTZ CONSULTING LLC
ii
iii
Contents
1. Public Space Public Life Study

Measuring how Torontonians use public space
4 Public Space Public Life Study

12 Key Findings
2. Survey Zones
Pulse on the ground
40 Zone A: Kensington Market

42 Zone B: Alexandra Park
44 Zone C: Clarence Square
46 Zone D: St. Patrick’s Square
48 Zone E: David Pecaut Square
50 Zone F: Jack Layton Ferry Terminal
52 Zone G: King and Bay Intersection
54 Zone H: Village of Yorkville Park
56 Zone I: University Avenue
58 Zone J: David Crombie Park
60 Zone K: Moss Park
62 Zone L: Anniversary Park
64 Zone M: Riverdale Park West
66 Zone N: St. James Town
68 Zone O: Huron Playground
70 Zone P: St. James Park
3. Summary Sheets
Data summary
74 Summary Sheets
iv
Graffiti Alley, ‘Love Your Laneway’ event, by the Laneway Project, Toronto, Canada
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2
1. Public Space Public Life Study
Measuring how Torontonians use public space
3
DOWNTOWN PARKS AND PUBLIC REALM PLAN: PUBLIC SPACE PUBLIC LIFE STUDY
Public Space Public Life Study
The Public Space Public Life (PSPL) Study was In the summer and winter of 2016, the consultant team
undertaken as part of ‘TOcore: Planning Downtown’, with Park People, City staff and volunteers conducted a
an initiative to prepare a 25-year plan for the heart of Public Space Public Life (PSPL) Study to observe and
Toronto. The PSPL Study informed the preparation measure life in Downtown Toronto. In the PSPL Study,
of the Downtown Parks and Public Realm Plan, which we observed and measured how people use the city. By
will guide the development of an expanded, improved, listening and learning from Torontonians we were able to
connected and accessible network of high-quality answer hard-to-measure questions.
parks and public spaces for people and promote
healthier, diverse natural systems to support a growing The PSPL Study was made up of several components:
Downtown. The purpose of the Parks and Public
Realm Plan is to set a vision for parks, open spaces • Favourite Places: pop up events, stakeholder
and streets, and to provide a framework to re-imagine, workshop, and on-line mapping;
transform and grow public space. The four objectives of • Public Life Study;
the Plan are: acquire and expand; improve; share; and • Intercept Survey; and
connect. The PSPL Study explores these objectives by • Public lecture series.
assessing where public life is thriving, and where we can
make improvements. In 2015, Parks, Forestry & Recreation undertook a
Park Asset and Use Survey for all public parks in the
Downtown Toronto has an abundance of opportunities Downtown. The survey took stock of existing assets
to expand and improve the city’s parks and open space (such as park furniture, playground structures, and other
system. For Toronto to support the unprecedented park elements), location and condition. In addition, some
growth, public spaces must be well located, organized observational data was gathered, which focused on how
and designed with quality in mind. To design quality the parks are being used and the demographics of users.
parks and public spaces it is critical to start with the
most important resource in the city, the people, to
understand how the Downtown’s public realm supports
people today, and how the design of public spaces could
better support public life.
4
Favourite Places Pop-Up and Workshop, April 2016
5
What is a PSPL Study? And How is it Done?
The Public Space Public Life (PSPL) Study, an Undertaking a public life study is straightforward.
architectural ethnographic study that Gehl has been Through observation, the surveyor counts people,
developing over 50 years, thoroughly documents identifies gender and age (based on assumptions), and
empirical evidence of urban quality of life. The survey gathers information on how long people are staying in
provides an understanding of public life today, and acts a public space and what they are doing. A PSPL study
as a compass pointing toward where we ought to be asks the following general questions:
heading tomorrow. The PSPL Study is a methodological
tool used to study the public life, as well as the public How Many? Gathering quantitative data provides a
spaces of a city. It is a guide for asking the right measurement that can be used to inform and support
questions, orienting development priorities, setting decisions. The number is of most interest when a
targets and measuring successes moving forward in a comparison can be made. For example, counting
project. PSPL studies show the large impact that public the number of people that are using a space before
realm improvements have on quality of life in a city, and improvements and then again after changes are made
such evidence has proven vital to maintaining public is an effective way of measuring the success of a public
interest in future improvement projects. realm initiative.
A PSPL Study examines human behaviour in the built Who? Gathering information on gender and age helps
environment. It studies how people interact with their build a user-group profile. It tells us who is using a
surroundings, and how the built environment supports space, but also who is choosing not to use it. This
social interaction. In the same way that transportation information can be used to inform interventions that
engineers study traffic movements, a public life study further support the needs of the present groups, as well
looks at how people move in public spaces and what they as interventions to draw and accommodate user groups
are doing. The results of a public life study can be used that are not currently present.
to inform a range of decisions from conceptual planning
to detailed design. Where? Understanding where people move and stay can
help develop a design response that is supported by
observations. Through observing movement patterns,
barriers can be uncovered and the most desirable path
locations can be established. If the study area is within
a delineated space, studying where people stay can help
determine where elements such as seating, fountains,
and entryways should be located.
6
What is Public Life?
What? Mapping what happens in public space provides Public space weaves the components of public life –
knowledge of the types of activities in the area and people, place, and culture – together. A robust public
builds an understanding of what draws people there. life is the essence of a great city. It is what a collective
Through observing the social activities that are group of people create when they flourish outside of
occurring in the public space, we are then able to their home and workplace.
support the social function of the space through various
design interventions. The primary activities to observe Public life is Authentic. It reflects the culture and social
are walking, staying, sitting and playing, but these can norms unique to a place, derived from the political,
be supplemented by site-specific activities depending economic, and intellectual history.
on the context of the site. In addition, observing the
types of interactions between people is also of interest, Public life is Dynamic. It has an infectious energy.
such as passive contact (people-watching), interactions People like to be in the company of other people and
between people who know each other and interactions public space allows them to do so.
among strangers.
Public life is Contextual. It responds to and varies
How long? Pedestrian speed and/or the amount of time according to surroundings. Public space can provide
people spend in a place provides information on the clues to what participation is appropriate and
quality of a space. Generally, people walk slower or encouraged in a specific place.
stop and spend time in a place that is appealing and
comfortable. In addition, the amount of time they spend Public life is Inclusive. It encompasses the preferences
in a place is often influenced by quality. and choices of the many and the few. All are invited to
participate in the activity of the city.
Public life is Spontaneous. It has a life of its own. Public

life responds to the regular rhythms of people’s lives
and the disruptions that unforeseen events cause.
7
Favourite Places Outcome: Establishing Toronto’s Quality Criteria
What qualities do Torontonians appreciate today and

aspire for tomorrow in their public realm? We used
a variety of methods to find out, including online
engagement, group workshops and sidewalk pop-
ups. Participants engaged in an exercise to share
their favourite public space qualities. Distilled from
thousands of responses, 20 important qualities rose to
the top, forming the core values of what Torontonians
desire in their public spaces. These values underline
what the city’s future public spaces should implement,
test and leverage. There are fairly universal urban
qualities that most people in urban settings cherish
(places to sit, greenery, outdoor food and drink, safety),
and there are qualities that vary from city to city. In
Toronto, four season outdoor spaces rose to the top, as
well as spaces that inspire serendipity and spontaneity
– the desire to stumble upon something engaging and
surprising. Participants also valued a fine grain network
and closeness, referencing the city’s laneways as a
prime opportunity to make better use of our public realm
assets.
1 Places to Sit 2 Lush & Green 3 Food & Drink 4 Safe 5 Dynamic
6 Whimsical 7 All Season Play 8 Outdoor Relax 9 Spontaneous 10 Fine Grain
8
TOP 10 FAVOURITE PLACES TOP 10 PLACES WITH GREAT POTENTIAL
1. Riverdale Park and Riverdale Farm (18) 1. Queen’s Park (8)

2. Toronto Island Park System (16) 2. Nathan Phillips Square and City Hall (8)
3. Trinity Bellwoods Park (15) 3. Alexandra Park (8)
4. Queen’s Park (14) 4. Don River Valley and Don River Valley Trail (7)
5. University of Toronto Campus (12) 5. Trinity Bellwoods Park (5)
6. Alexandra Park (10) 6. Allan Gardens (5)
7. Don Valley Brick Works (9) 7. Parliament Square Park (5)
8. Sugar Beach (8) 8. Augusta Avenue (5)
9. Allan Gardens (8) 9. Dundas Square (5)
10. Distillery Historic District (7) 10. Huron Street Playground (4)
Toronto’s Favourite Places
An online survey tool (Social Pinpoint) helped us reach

over 1,000 people who shared their favourite places in
the Downtown. We asked people where their favourite
place in Toronto is today, and where there are places
with great potential that could be their favourite place
tomorrow. Some key favourite place clusters emerged,
including: the Toronto Islands, Harbour Square,
Sugar Beach, Queen Street West, Kensington Market,
Riverdale Farm, Allan Gardens, Ryerson University,
Queen’s Park, Alexandra Park, Trinity Bellwoods Park
and Corktown Common. One theme that participants
highly value in Toronto centered around places where
people can experience and interact with nature – places
where people can enjoy views, relax in groups, be active
(walking, cycling) and get fresh air. Relaxation occurred
frequently as an element people desire in their urban
parks and open spaces. Interestingly, while King Street
and Yonge Street did get pinned by some participants as
places with great potential, they saw very few favourite
place mentions in the 2016 survey.
Social Pinpoint, online survey tool, April to June, 2016
Favourite Places Pop-Up and Workshop, April 2016 Despite the cool weather, participants stop to share their
favourite places and cherished urban qualities, April 2016
9
Toronto’s Public Space Public Life Study
With a picture of Toronto’s favourite places, valued We look at how people stay in space.
qualities and opinions of emerging hotspots, we
conducted a PSPL Study on a weekend and weekday, in
the summer and winter, of key areas in the Downtown.
In addition, we undertook an intercept survey in select
locations to learn more about park users. The survey
Standing Lying Down Bench Seating
established a baseline of who is there, how people move
through the Downtown, and how they spend time in
parks and the public realm.
The PSPL Study helps gain perspective on where

Secondary Seating Children Playing Commercial
people spend time today and where they could spend
time tomorrow. We chose 16 zones encompassing 50
survey streets and spaces in the Downtown, capturing
a pulse of how these locations are best serving people.
Over 100 volunteers helped survey the locations:
Waiting for Transit Cafe Seating Cultural Activity
counting pedestrians and cyclists; mapping stationary
activity; and noting age and gender – as well as
documenting other personal experiences and qualitative
findings over the span of twelve hours.
Physical Activity
We look at how and where people move through space.
Walking Cycling Running

We look at the urban design conditions.
Lighting Seating Materials
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PSPL SURVEY ZONES
A Kensington Market
B Alexandra Park
C Clarence Square
D St. Patrick’s Square
E David Pecaut Square
F Jack Layton Ferry Terminal
G King and Bay Intersection
H Village of Yorkville Park
I University Avenue
J David Crombie Park
K Moss Park
L Anniversary Park
M Riverdale Park West
N St. James Town
O Huron Playground
P St. James Park
2 O
2
1
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1 1
N M
2
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A 2
1 2
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1
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F
PSPL Study Map, showing the 16 survey zones; blue dots represent locations where volunteers counted pedestrians and
cyclists, noting age and gender; red outlines represent locations where volunteers mapped stationary activity and other
qualitative findings, Toronto, Canada
11
Staying
Key Findings
What are the characteristics of places in the Downtown

that truly invite for use, activity and interaction?
“This playground is the best in the

neighbourhood. It has varying challenges for
young children.”
- Favourite Place feedback (August 4, 2016)
Grange Park, Toronto, Canada
12
13
01
Toronto’s spaces that prioritize
quality and provide a rich mix of
activities excel.
The diagrams illustrate how many people stay and linger A place is sticky when it pulls people
in a given place compared to the number of people that in, attracting them to spend time for
walk by. We call this ratio stickiness. The Downtown plazas longer periods, whether active or passive.
and parks with high visitor frequencies– those that are Understanding the level of stickiness
is crucial to providing insight into how
the stickiest – are the places that meet Toronto’s spatial
people use, stay, and enjoy a public space.
quality criteria with flying colours.
STICKINESS
High Performers:
Yorkville Park Staying

13%
WALKING 641
STAYING 86
St. James Park

12%
WALKING 483
STAYING 57
Ontario Lane,
St. James Town 10%
WALKING 443
STAYING 46
Alexandra Park
27%
WALKING 304
STAYING 81
Yorkville Park, Toronto, Canada
14
02
Some spaces see few people
staying compared to the volume
of people walking by.
Some spaces in the Downtown see extremely high
volumes of pedestrian traffic nearby and could be working
harder to invite people to stay (and stay longer), especially
outside business hours. Today, the predominant activity
mix is sitting or standing. A wider variety of functions will
invite more people to use Downtown public spaces as
‘staying’ destinations.
STICKINESS
Low Performers:
Clarence Square Staying

3%
WALKING 712
STAYING 23
King & Bay Plazas

3%
WALKING 1727
STAYING 60
St. Patrick’s Square

2%
WALKING 2048
STAYING 44
David Pecaut Square

2%
WALKING 2246
STAYING 56
St. Patrick’s Square, Toronto, Canada
15
IN FOCUS
Yorkville Park
URBAN DESIGN CONTEXT
Yorkville Park sees 86 people/hour on average staying. It is Yorkville Park demonstrates excellent
one of the most consistently used places surveyed in the inward and outward urban design
core. Yorkville is an example of a place that combines all of conditions: dynamic and engaging
the qualities Torontonians desire in their public realm. facades with many entry points along its
edges.
Toronto Quality Criteria Present in

Yorkville Park:
86 people
per hour
Lush & Green
Fine Places to Sit Lush & Green

Grain
Safe Dynamic &

Playful Food & Drink Safe
Whimsical
Cozy
Places to Dynamic Whimsical

Relax
Outdoor Food
& Drink
All Season Play Outdoor Relax
Many Choices
to Sit and Stay
Spontaneous Fine Grain
Yorkville Park, Toronto, Canada
16
IN FOCUS
David Pecaut Square
URBAN DESIGN CONTEXT
Public life in David Pecaut Square is heavily reliant on David Pecaut Square has hardscapes,
programming. Events such as Toronto Fashion Week, Toronto inactive surrounding facades and
Film Festival, the Farmer’s Market, and musical entertainment uninviting, exposed edge conditions,
draw crowds of people on a regular basis. However, the PSPL making it an uninviting place to spend
Study found that when not programmed, only 21 people an time when it is not programmed with
hour spend time in David Pecaut Square. As a central Toronto events.
location, there should be more invitations to stay during non-
programmed times. From the Quality Criteria, only 2 out of Toronto Quality Criteria Present in
10 qualities are present in the square on non-event days: David Pecaut Square:
places to sit; and safety. 21 people
per hour
Places to Sit Lush & Green
Food & Drink Safe
One Choice of Dynamic Whimsical

Seating Not Inviting
All Season Play Outdoor Relax

Dominating
Hardscape
Very Exposed
Spontaneous Fine Grain

David Pecaut Square, Toronto, Canada
17
03
Neighbourhood parks and public
spaces are sociable and diverse.
ALEXANDRA PARK
Parks and public spaces that are within neighbourhood Alexandra Park is an open and
settings are where communities come together and thrive. spacious park near several important
Downtown, these spaces have rich neighbourhood ties, destinations: Queen West, Chinatown
and the survey found a significant diversity of people of and Kensington Market. The park
different ages and incomes using these public spaces. St. draws on its diverse surrounding
James Town and Alexandra Park are examples of inclusive neighbourhoods to create a popular
public spaces where people stay for significant amounts of community space.
time and visit regularly.
A Social Space
1/3 People recognized others

they didn’t plan to meet.
A Place to Spend Time
83% Spend 30 minutes or longer.

2 out of 3 spend over an hour.
A Neighbourhood Asset
54% Visit Alexandra Park on a

daily or weekly basis.
An Age-Friendly Space
64+
15-19
41-64
A vibrant mix
of ages.
20-30
31-40
Alexandra Park, Toronto, Canada
18
INTERCEPT SURVEYS
To get a deeper understanding of who

and how people are using Downtown’s
public spaces, in 2016 we interviewed
50 people in each of the following
spaces: Yorkville Park, University Ave,
St. James Town, King and Bay; Harbour
Square, David Pecaut Square, and
Alexandra Park. Survey details can be
found in Chapter 3: Summary Sheets.
ST. JAMES TOWN
The public spaces in St. James

Town play a strong role in supporting
the community. All ages are well
represented. This is largely due to
a good mix of formal and informal
invitations to stay and spend time.
A Social Space
1/2 People recognized others

they didn’t plan to meet.
Street market at Ontario Lane, St. James Town, Toronto, Canada A Place to Spend Time
63% Spend 30 minutes or longer.

1 out of 2 spend over an hour.
A Neighbourhood Asset
95% Visit on a weekly basis.

2 out of 3 visit daily.
An Age-Friendly Space
15-19
64+
20-30
A vibrant mix
of ages.
41-64 31-40
Beautification project in St. James Town: A collaboration between

the St. James Town Community Corner, the City of Toronto,
Tourism Cares and Stop Gap Foundation, Toronto, Canada
19
04
Some parkettes are punching
above their weight.
There are some hidden gems in Toronto that meet many

of the qualities that Torontonians desire for their public
realm. Some parkettes represent terrific examples that
other small public spaces in Toronto can learn from. Not
every small public space can fulfill all desired qualities.
However, these small oases do fulfill some qualities very
well. Together, these parkettes and larger parks can work
to provide a complete system of quality spaces.
RIN
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Bloor-Bedford Parkette, Toronto Margaret Fairley Parkette, Toronto Sculpture Garden, Toronto
20
Others represent untapped
potential and an opportunity to
invite public life.
There are a number of parkettes that should, and easily
could, fulfill more of the Quality Criteria. These small
parks should bolster Downtown Toronto’s fine grain
experience, working together to create pockets of lush
and green, local activity centers and places of respite.
Parkettes should be a focal point for inviting more people
– using the identified Quality Criteria – to get more out of
Toronto’s existing parks and public realm. In addition, they
should be designed and programmed to respond to local
needs.
Seaton Parkette, Toronto Richmond & Jarvis, Toronto St. Mary’s Parkette, Toronto
21
Moving
Key Findings
How well do streets in the Downtown invite people

to walk, bike and move around, especially outside of
commuting and lunch hour periods?
“Relaxation on the street!”

“Wide sidewalks – room for sitting, moving
and biking.”
- Favourite Place feedback (August 4, 2016)
King Street, Toronto, Canada (photo by Stephanie Braconnier)
22
23
05
Streets should invite people in
their free time, not just when
they need to be there. DAILY AVERAGE
All streets surveyed in the Downtown:

Sharp upticks followed by stretches of quiet characterize the
weekday rhythm of some streets in the Downtown, such as Weekday:
in the Financial District. A significant decrease in pedestrian
activity on weekends further emphasizes that there is an
opportunity to attract people to streets in areas like the 815 Average people per hour on
all streets surveyed.
Financial District outside of business hours and give them a
reason to stay. Outside of the 5pm-6pm evening rush, lunch is
the most universally busy time of day, demonstrating a desire 4000
to spend time outside of commuting hours. 3000
2000
1000
9AM
11AM
8AM
10AM
12PM
2PM
3PM
4PM
5PM
6PM
7PM
1PM
Weekend:
504 Average people per hour on

all streets surveyed.
4000
3000 40% drop on

weekends
2000
1000
0
9AM
11AM
8AM
10AM
12PM
2PM
3PM
4PM
5PM
6PM
7PM
1PM
Financial District, at non-peak (left) and peak (right) hours,

Toronto, Canada
24
06
A winter city: Torontonians
don’t hibernate.
DAILY AVERAGE
Despite the cold weather, Toronto’s rhythm of pedestrian

activity sees little drop-off in the winter months – just an Summer Average:
658
11 percent change – averaging 659/hour in the summer
People per hour.
to 582/hour in the winter. Weekend activity even sees a
slight uptick during the winter months, suggesting a latent
demand for spaces that embrace and leverage the city’s Winter Average:
all-season public life.
582 People per hour.
815
800
Ave. People/Hour/Day
632
600 532
504
400
Weekend
Weekend
Weekday
Weekday
200
0
Summer Winter
TORONTO URBAN QUALITY CRITERIA
SPATIAL QUALITY FREQUENCY CITED
Places to Sit
Lush & Green
Outdoor Food & Drink
Safe
Dynamic / Changeable
Colorful & Whimsical
All Season Public Life
Cozy / Places to Relax
Spontaneous & Playful
Closeness & Fine Grain
Local Identity
King Street in winter, Toronto, Canada
25
06
Four streets shine, attracting
more people on weekday
afternoons and on weekends. DAILY AVERAGE
Bloor Street, Kensington Market, Queen

The most frequented streets where people spend the most Street, and Queens Quay:
time Downtown have unique urban qualities. Bloor Street,
streets within Kensington Market, Queen Street West, and Weekday:
Queens Quay are sociable streets that see steady growth
in pedestrian volumes throughout the day. Moreover, 30
percent more people visit these streets on the weekend, 1231 People per hour.
showing they are vibrant Downtown destinations.
4000
3000
2000
1000
0 9AM
11AM
8AM
10AM
12PM
2PM
3PM
4PM
5PM
6PM
7PM
1PM
Weekend:
1590 People per hour.
29% jump on
weekends
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
9AM
11AM
8AM
10AM
12PM
2PM
3PM
4PM
5PM
6PM
7PM
1PM
Queens Quay, Toronto, Canada
26
IN FOCUS
Facade Quality
QUALITY
Queen Street West sees

1,454 pedestrian/hour on
the weekend – 4 times more
activity than the Downtown
average.
Narrow units: Pedestrians
are consistently stimulated
Fine grain, engaging and

dynamic window displays
Kensington Market sees

1,022 pedestrian/hour on
the weekend – double the
Downtown average.
A super active, fluid, and Dynamic facades

engaging facade experience Drop in kensignton image here
don’t have to be “pretty” to
be engaging
on both Queen Street West
and in Kensington Market
contributes to a lively and
comfortable experience that
invites people to spend time
throughout the day and week.
Open facades:
Inside and outside
bleed together
27
07
Downtown is drawing
millennials, but fewer children
and elderly. AVERAGE AGE BREAKDOWN - STREETS

Attracting families with young children and elderly can be
more challenging in urban centres. With a high percentage Weekday:
of millennials living Downtown, it’s not surprising that
over a third of people counted are between ages 15 and 30.
While many areas in the Downtown are a major draw for 32% 15-30 years old.
all ages, such as Kensington Market, the waterfront and

key parks such as Riverdale Park, other streets and spaces 58%
in the Downtown can do better at attracting families with
young children and the elderly to stay and spend time.
32%
9%
5%
0-14 15-30 31-64 64+
Weekend:
40% 15-30 years old.
49%
40%
11%
8%
0-14 15-30 31-64 64+
Gould Street, Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada
28
AGE-FRIENDLY STREETS
For a complete list of the most

age-friendly streets – those which
see the greatest proportion of
people under the age of 14 and over
the age of 65 – refer to p. 80.
08 The Esplanade
Wellesley St E
29%
26%
Some areas see a vibrant mix of Riverdale Park Rd 21%
Baldwin St 20%
age groups.
AVERAGE AGE BREAKDOWN - PARKS
All parks surveyed in the Downtown:

Seniors and families with children visit places with safe
and comfortable urban design features such as quietness, Weekday:
nature and good microclimates. The Esplanade, Riverdale
Park and Kensington Market see some of the most
consistent and meaningful age diversity in the Downtown. 26% under 14 and
over 64 years old.
This is because they offer a variety of both formal and
informal invitations for staying, with attractions for a
55%
diversity of ages.
19%
15%
11%
0-14 15-30 31-64 64+
Weekend:
32% under 14 and

over 64 years old.
46%
22%
16% 16%
0-14 15-30 31-64 64+
Movie night on The Esplanade, Toronto, Canada
29
09
A cycling city. The most robust
bike lanes see world-leading
cycling volumes. DAILY AVERAGE

The protected cycling routes surveyed Downtown,
including Sherbourne Street, Adelaide Street and Queens
Quay, see especially high volumes of people cycling, in
particular during commuting hours. Not surprisingly,
65 Cyclists per hour (weekday).
streets that are not as well-protected see low cycling

numbers. Comfort and protection are primary gate-
800
openers for nurturing and developing a strong cycling
culture. 600
400
200
9AM
11AM
8AM
10AM
12PM
2PM
3PM
4PM
5PM
6PM
7PM
Exceptional Streets – Sherbourne Street, 1PM
Adelaide Street and Queens Quay:
255 Cyclists per hour (weekday).
300% more cyclists on

these streets
800
600
400
200
0
9AM
11AM
8AM
10AM
12PM
2PM
3PM
4PM
5PM
6PM
7PM
1PM
Queen’s Quay, Toronto, Canada
30
BIKE VOLUME — COMPARISON
Sherbourne Street
Toronto, Canada
800 972 Peak
600
IN FOCUS 400
200
Sherbourne Street
0
8AM - 7PM
Vester Voldgade
Copenhagen, Denmark
When compared to some of the busiest cycling streets 800
we’ve surveyed, Sherbourne Street and Queens Quay are
600
966 Peak
among the top used. In terms of daily volume, they are in
the top 20; but it is the hourly peak that is most impressive
400
(they are both in the top 10): 972 cyclists per hour at 9 am
on Sherbourne Street and 708 cyclists per hour at 5pm on 200
Queens Quay.
0
8AM - 7PM
Burrard Bridge
Vancouver, Canada
800
744 Peak
600
400
200
0
8AM - 3PM
Zhonghua Rd
Shanghai, China
800 678 Peak

600
400
200
0
7AM - 7PM
With a peak of over 950 cyclists per hour, Sherbourne Street is one A comparison of global leading bikeways
of the busiest bike lanes in North America, Toronto, Canada with some of the highest peak hour volumes
31
10
Despite growing volumes of
cyclists, cycling in the Downtown
is still not inviting everyone. GENDER SPLIT

The Downtown has an even split of men and women
walking; but an uneven split for those choosing to cycle, Walking:
with fewer women choosing cycling as their mode of
transportation. Cycling may still be perceived as an
alternative and risky undertaking Downtown and therefore 50/50 Split between men and
women.
skew toward a younger, more risk tolerant demographic.
Ultimately, this disparity begs a deeper cycling study to
unpack what the local gate-openers are for all ages and
50%
WOMEN
groups to embrace cycling in the Downtown.
50%
MEN
Biking:
67% Of cyclists are male.
33%
WOMEN
67%
MEN
Cyclist on Queen Street, Toronto, Canada
32
11
Waiting for the ferry could be
more comfortable and enjoyable.
The Jack Layton Ferry Terminal attracts thousands of

people, but they only have the opportunity to stand and
wait for the ferry. During weekend ferry hours, the terminal
is packed with over 366 people per hour. During off hours,
however, the space is quiet. The Ferry Terminal should
be a leading example for other cities when it comes to a
creative and engaging waiting for transit experience.
Jack Layton Ferry Terminal:

The Waiting for Transit Experience
+3,000
People wait here daily on
weekends.
Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, Toronto, Canada
~600
People per hour stand and wait
on weekends between the hours
of 11am and 3pm.
70%
Of surveyed activity is
standing and waiting.
Future ‘Harbour Landing’ Ferry Terminal Design, Toronto, Canada
33
12
Space does not always
match use.
SPACE VERSUS USE
The 21st century street is a place. As the city’s greatest

canvas, there are number of streets that could do more to King Street:
support public life. King Street is one of the most significant
examples. At the time of the survey, cars used well over
half the space, but only represented 15 percent of the users.
Whereas people, on foot, represent half of all the users in
the space, but were given a quarter of the space. The King
Street Pilot project aims to improve transit efficiency and
support public life with an expanded public realm.
P P
3.4m 3.2m 3.2m 3.2m 3.2m 3.4m
Sidewalk Vehicular / Transit ROW Sidewalk

12.8m
N Existing ROW 20.0m S
King Street (5-6pm):
USE SPACE
PEDS 50% 24%
TRANSIT 33% 32%
CARS 16% 64%
CYCLISTS 1% 0%
The Parcade installation located on King Street near St. James
Park, part of the King Street Pilot, Toronto, Canada
34
IN FOCUS
Swanston Street, Melbourne,
Australia
WIN-WIN: TRANSIT + PUBLIC LIFE
Swanson Street, once a congested and overwhelming

corridor, is now an example of pedestrian-oriented and Swanston Street:
transit-priority street design. From 2009-2012, Melbourne
set out to celebrate the street as a multi-modal transit
corridor and an important public space. By increasing
sidewalk widths, dedicating protected space to bike lanes
and tram stops, removing vehicle access at certain times,
and using high quality finishes – like granite paving,
custom lighting and furniture – the street now provides
a comfortable and inviting experience for pedestrians, 8.33m 2.6m 6.2m 2.6m 8.44m
cyclists, and commuters. Sidewalk Bike Transit ROW Bike Sidewalk
Existing ROW 30.17m
Art &
Installations
Excellent Micro-
Climate – Tree Canopy
Active
Frontages
Visible Transit Stops,
Outdoor Food Without Being Overbuilt
& Drink Many Choices
to Sit and Stay
Inviting Informal
Places to Stay
A Clear Path /
Room to Walk
Swanston Street, Melbourne, Australia Since the street’s re-design, Melbourne has
seen a 24 percent increase in pedestrian
activity and a 5 percent increase in retail space.
35
Findings Summary:
Staying
What are the characteristics of places in the Toronto’s spaces that prioritize quality and provide a
rich mix of activities excel at supporting public life.
Downtown that truly invite for use, activity
These parks and public spaces tend to be sticky. For
and interaction? example, one in eight people that walk by Yorkville
Park stick around.
To invite people to spend time in the
Some signature Downtown spaces see few people
Downtown, the quality of space is important. staying compared to the volume of people walking
Squares and parks – even small ones – that by. For example, at David Pecaut Square just one in
50 people that walk by stop and spend time. A good
offer protection, comfort and delight serve the
target for a public space is to capture one in five
public best and invite a thriving public life. people walking by.
Neighbourhood spaces are sociable and diverse.

In neighbourhoods such as Bathurst and Dundas,
one-third of the people surveyed in Alexandra Park
recognized others, meaning this area is supporting
public life of the neighbourhood.
Some parkettes are punching above their weight.

Not all public spaces should fulfill everyone’s needs.
Some parkettes do a few things really well which
makes them great public spaces and important city
assets.
36
Findings Summary:
Moving
How well do streets in the Downtown invite There are 40 percent fewer people on streets in the
Downtown on weekends. Streets that shine have an
people to walk, bike and move around,
engaging and continuous urban fabric and link people to
especially outside of commuting peaks and activities and destinations. These streets draw up to 30
lunch hours? percent more people during weekday afternoons and on
weekends. Great streets are those that invite people in
their free time, not just when they need to be there.
There is more to walking than getting from
A to B. The quality of ground floor frontages Downtown is drawing young people and millennials, but
some areas can do better at attracting families to stay and
and street furnishings along some streets
spend time. Attracting families with young children and
help to invite people (especially kids and elderly can be more challenging in urban centres. While
families) to walk in the Downtown in their many areas in the Downtown are a major draw for all
ages, such as Kensington Market, the waterfront and key
free time (weekday afternoons, evenings and
parks such as Riverdale Park, other streets and spaces
weekends). can do better at attracting families with young children
and the elderly to stay and spend time.
Safe bike lanes see world-leading cycling volumes.

Where investment has been made the positive results
are striking. High volumes of cyclists are found on
streets that provide a comfortable and protected
journey. But despite the growing volume of cyclists,
some users are less represented. Only 35 percent of
cyclists observed are women.
Space allocation does not always match use.

Key streets should better match space allocation to
number of users (pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders,
vehicle drivers). Make vibrant public life a key driver of
success.
37
38
2. Survey Zones
Pulse on the ground
39
PUBLIC SPACE PUBLIC LIFE STUDY: SURVEY ZONES
Data Highlights
ZONE A • Few spikes and valleys: Steady pedestrian volumes
KENSINGTON MARKET •
throughout the day, building through the afternoon.
Relatively low sitting activity compared to walking
----------------------------------- numbers. Most people come to Kensington to stroll
Locations through slowly and take it all in, many of whom walk
A1 Baldwin Street directly on the roadway.
A2 Kensington Ave • More weekend than weekday activity.
A3 Baldwin St and Kensington Ave
au St
Key Objectives
Nass
Spad
win S
t A1
Bald 1. Prioritize pedestrians in the design of streets.
ina S
A2 A3 2. Provide places for people to sit and stay in public

t
St
drew spaces.
Augu
St An
Kens
3. Make pedestrian-only street events more frequent.

sta A
ingto
ve
n Av
e
Map Key Public Life Initiatives
Pedestrian Priority Streets

Realize the full potential of streets as safe and inviting
social places for all ages and user groups. Consider
options to slow and reduce traffic, creating more space
for pedestrians on the street itself.
More Seating
Provide places for people to sit and stay in public
spaces, including in parks and along streetscapes.
Weekend Pedestrian Streets

New Road, Brighton, England Consider more frequent pedestrian-only street events.
Support art and culture pop-ups that promote social
gathering, cultural exchange and expressions of the
creative spirit of the community.
Pilot to Permanent
Kensington Market is an ideal test site for creative and

inspired pedestrian-priority street design. Prioritize
slowing and limiting traffic, and providing places to
sit and stay in public spaces. Improvements should be
tested and voted on by users over 3-4 weeks.
Pedestrian Sunday in Kensington Market, Toronto, Canada
40
STATIONARY ACTIVITY
Baldwin and Kensington Stationary Activity Average Stickiness
Hourly Average 8% Staying 20 | Walking 511

Staying
4%
28%
20
64%
17 27 24 33 19
0

Staying
6%
Weekday Weekend 42
26%
Sitting 48 48 62 37 51
Standing
3 60%
Being Active
DEMOGRAPHIC SNAPSHOT MOVEMENT
Baldwin St (Age Chart) Baldwin (at Spadina) Kensington Ave (at Baldwin)
Weekday Pedestrians (Hourly Average) Pedestrians (Hourly Average)

511 | 675 942 | 1022
32% 48% 14%
Weekend
43% 46% 6% 2514
1320 1362
0-6
7-14
15-30
31-64
65+
Cyclists (Hourly Average) Cyclists (Hourly Average)

40 | 33 66 | 63
114 120
60 90
Weekday Weekend
Pedestrians
Cyclists
41
Data Highlights
ZONE B • Dundas Street is a major cycle route throughout
ALEXANDRA PARK the week, with significant traffic during the morning
commute.
----------------------------------- • Alexandra Park sees high staying volumes with
Locations a diverse range of visitors across age groups
B1 Dundas Street throughout the day, building through the afternoon.
B2 Bathurst Street
B3 Alexandra Park
t
Key Objectives
as S
Dund
Denis
B1
on A
1. Improve and activate the street edge interface along

ve
B2 B3 Bathurst Street and Dundas Street.

Alexandra
2. Support the already established night-market on
Bath
Park
Dundas Street.
rust
3. Promote active movement by developing a park

St
St
Carr circuit.
Activate the Edges

Improve and activate the public space at Bathurst
Street and Dundas Street, outside of the library. E.g., an
outdoor reading room with comfortable, inviting places
to sit and stay.
Support the Night Market

Engage local artists and designers to create comfortable
and compelling seating and creative light installations
to support the established Dundas Street night market.
Market Lane, London, Canada Build a Park Circuit

Consider a meandering path system through the park with
strategic focal points and inviting seating options to stay
and relax.
Pilot to Permanent
Activate the public space at Bathurst and Dundas

Street with an outdoor reading room in collaboration
with the public library. Host story time events or talks
with local writers. Integrate movable and comfortable
seating and tables to make people feel at home.
Piazza Nember, Jesolo, Italy
42
STATIONARY ACTIVITY
Alexandra Park Stationary Activity Average Stickiness

Staying 55%
27%
243 81
89 32%
55 49
26 22

Staying 24%
24%
Weekday Weekend
67
112 95
Sitting 72
42 29 50
Standing
Being Active 65%
Dundas St (Age Chart) Dundas (at Casmir) Bathurst (at Alexandra Park)

406 | 427 304 | 274
34% 51% 10%
Weekend
28% 57% 9%
0-6 612 582

7-14
15-30
31-64
65+

240 | 150 88 | 84
402
156
102
Weekday Weekend
Pedestrians
Cyclists
43
Data Highlights
ZONE C • Cycling spike during morning weekday commute on
CLARENCE SQUARE Spadina Avenue.
• Sharp spike in pedestrian movement at lunch hour.
----------------------------------- • Very few people spend time in the park compared to
Locations the volume of people on neighbouring streets. Many
C1 Spadina Avenue visitors to the park are dog owners (surveyed inside
C2 King St West the dog-off-leash-area).
C3 Clarence Square
Key Objectives
St W
King
C2
1. Leverage the tranquility and canopy of the park as a

Spad
C1 Sq
ence
Clar
green oasis in the heart of the Downtown.
ina A
2. Attract more visitors to the park with creative and

ve
C3
St
We lling
ton comfortable invitations to stay.
tW
3. Improve pedestrian connections, especially across
tS
Fron
Spadina Avenue.
The Neighbourhood’s Backyard

Host quiet activities (tai chi or yoga) to leverage the lush
tree canopy and tranquility of the space, offering a green
oasis to enjoy and relax.
It’s Lunch Time!

Invite people to come to Clarence Square Park to have
lunch or take a break by providing more moveable and
comfortable seating options, like lounging in hammocks.
Improve Connections
Governor’s Island, New York City, United States Improve pedestrian connections with fun and bright
crossings. Use paving and wayfinding to create
a cohesive green link across Spadina Ave along
Wellington Street to Victoria Memorial Park.
Pilot to Permanent
Leverage the tranquility and canopy of the park by

testing movable and comfortable seating options
embedded within the trees. For example, a “hammock
grove” pop-up for the summer season.
Creative Crossing, London, England
44
STATIONARY ACTIVITY
Clarence Square Stationary Activity Average Stickiness
Hourly Average Staying 23 | Walking 712

28% 20%
Staying
3%
23
21 24 44 29
10 12
52%
Hourly Average 3%
Staying 30 | Walking 489
Staying
39%
6%
Weekday Weekend
30
Sitting 52 57
30 11 13 14 58%
Standing
Being Active
Spadina St (Age Chart) Spadina (at King W) King St W (at Spadina)

1424 | 1124 1140 | 970
29% 62% 6%
Weekend
2900
42% 45% 10%
2300
0-6
7-14
15-30
31-64
65+

179 | 91 88 | 60
420
Weekday Weekend
Pedestrians
Cyclists
45
Data Highlights
ZONE D • Queen Street sees similar weekday and weekend
ST. PATRICK’S SQUARE pedestrian volumes, indicating a street that people
choose to visit.
----------------------------------- • During the weekdays, St. Patrick’s Square is only
Locations capturing 2 percent of the people walking by, and
D1 St. Patrick’s Market those few who do stay are not active.
D2 Queen St West
D3 St. Patrick’s Square
St
Key Objectives
hanie
Step
Mc C
St Pa
St Pa
1. Make St. Patrick’s Square an attractive place to stay.

aul S
trick
D1
trick
2. Draw people from Queen Street via the laneways to

t
’s
’s
Sq
John
D3 St. Patrick’s Square.

Mkt
St
3. Activate the square and latent network of laneways

D2 to realize their potential to invite intimate mid-block
n St
Quee discovery.
Midblock Discovery
Invite vendors (food/coffee pop-ups) and engage
local artists and designers to create installations that
activate and open up the square (via the laneways).
Connect to Queen Street

Transform laneways into attractive public spaces
to draw people into the park. Consider a mid-block
crossing on Queen Street and eye-catching elements to
lead pedestrians inside.
The Floating Umbrella Festival, Agueda, Portugal Learning Lab

At the foot of OCAD and the Art Gallery of Ontario, St.
Patrick’s Square has an opportunity to host great open
air lectures, installations and events.
Pilot to Permanent
Showcase seasonal goods, pop-ups and installations

engaging local artists and entrepreneurs. Introduce
eye-catching wayfinding elements on Queen Street and
in the laneways to invite people to come and relax in St.
Patrick’s Square.
BMW Guggenheim Lab, Berlin, Germany
46
STATIONARY ACTIVITY
St. Patrick's Square Stationary Activity Average Stickiness

Staying 16%
2%
44
82
26 45 47 53
9
83%
Hourly Average 16%

Staying 18%
4%
Weekday Weekend
64
106 95
Sitting 79 66
8 27
Standing
Being Active 66%
St. Patrick’s Market (Age Chart) St. Patrick’s Market Queen St W (at St. Patrick’s Market)

33 | 33 2048 | 1472
44% 46% 11%
3630
Weekend 3390
54% 4 0% 6%
0-6
7-14
15-30
31-64
65+

3|3 139 | 82
228 252
Weekday Weekend
Pedestrians
Cyclists
47
Data Highlights
ZONE E • Largest lunchtime spike in the Downtown, seeing
DAVID PECAUT SQUARE 3984 people per hour.
• David Pecaut Square sees a lunchtime spike, but is
----------------------------------- otherwise very quiet when not programmed.
Locations • Over 2,000 people walk by per hour, yet fewer than 60
E1 King St W people stay.
E2 King St W
E3 David Pecaut Square
l St Key Objectives
Pear
St W
King
E2 1. Make David Pecaut Square a destination outside of
Simc
David programmed events.

o
E1
e St
Pecaut Sq
2. Make David Pecaut Square a place to stay and relax
E3
John
throughout the day and week.

St
St
Well
ington 3. Support local commerce and creativity with kiosks.
Open Air Flexible Seating

A go-to destination when you have an hour for lunch and
want to spend time outside while taking in the energy of
the city.
Activate with Kiosks

Pair food kiosks with a design market or pop up reading
room. Here, people can experience the best of Toronto.
More Park, More Green

Consider improvements that focus on expanding
Bryant Park, New York City, United States and revitalizing the park to include an entrance plaza
and gardens, lush perimeter terrace tree planting, a
central enclosed great lawn, public art elements and a
revitalized water feature.
Pilot to Permanent
In the short term, creative installations and eye-catching

canopies would draw people into the space and create a
sense of enclosure and intimacy, defining the space and
improving the microclimate.
Mercato Metropolitano, Milan, Italy
48
STATIONARY ACTIVITY
David Pecaut Square Stationary Activity Average Stickiness
4%
Staying 31%
2%
56
169
56 35 32
28 15
65%
Hourly Average 12% 16% Staying 21 | Walking 1028

Staying
2%
Weekday Weekend
21
Sitting 49
1 19 25 18 16
Standing 72%
Being Active
King St W (at DPS) (Age Chart) King St W (at John St) King St W (at Ed Mirvish Way)

2103 | 1126 2246 | 1028
24% 66% 10%
3984 3846
Weekend 3126
42% 42% 13%
2052 2358
0-6
7-14
15-30
31-64
65+

85 | 33 94 | 38
144 132
Weekday Weekend
Pedestrians
Cyclists
49
Data Highlights
ZONE F • Bay Street and Queens Quay are major cycling
JACK LAYTON FERRY TERMINAL •
routes throughout the week.
Busiest stationary activity in the Downtown, seeing
----------------------------------- over 366 people staying per hour during weekend
Locations ferry hours; 75 percent are people standing, waiting
F1 Bay Street to purchase their ferry ticket or board the ferry.
F2 Queens Quay W • During off-peak hours, the terminal area is quiet.
F3 Ferry Terminal
ur
St Key Objectives
rbo
Ba
Ha
yS
t
F1
1. Support a multi-modal transportation hub.
F2 2. Provide pleasant places for people to wait for the
Harbour
Qu
ay Square ferry, or stay and relax after disembarking.
e ens Park
Qu
Sq
3. Provide engaging wayfinding to inform people of
our F3 Ferry
Harb
Terminal transport options, directions and nearby amenities.
The Island Gateway

Make it clear that this is the launching port to the Toronto
Islands Park System. Bold, engaging wayfinding should
lead people to the Ferry Terminal and inform them of
ferry route options for where they would like to go next.
Waiting for... Fun!

Add playful elements for all ages and abilities. Waiting
should be fun. Integrate ‘instagrammable’ elements.
Multi-modal Users
Wayfinding at Govenor’s Island, New York City, United Harbour Square Park and the Ferry Terminal are drawing
States
visitors from one of the busiest bike lanes in North
America. Fine-tune access by providing end-of-journey
parking and queuing options for cyclists.
Pilot to Permanent
Experiment with fun, creative seating that sparks

curiosity and interaction. Create a competition to invite
young designers to imagine new models of innovative
temporary seating and lounging.
Picnurbia Pop-up, Vancouver, Canada
50
STATIONARY ACTIVITY
Ferry Terminal Stationary Activity Average Stickiness

42%
Staying
8%
81
120 113
82 75 56
41
52%
597 4%
568 Staying 366 | Walking 1465
505 21%
25%
315
Weekday Weekend
366
132
Sitting 80
Standing
75%
Being Active
Bay St (Age Chart) Bay St (at Queens Quay) Queens Quay (at Harbour Sq)

808 | 1731 967 | 1465
29% 5 6% 7%
3864
Weekend
7% 47% 31% 9%
2334
1752
1104
0-6
7-14
15-30
31-64
65+

49 | 61 367 | 570
858
708
108
Weekday Weekend
Pedestrians
Cyclists
51
Data Highlights
ZONE G • Greatest spikes in pedestrian movement of all
KING ST AND BAY ST survey zones in the Downtown.
• People are generally moving through, not staying to
----------------------------------- spend time in the public spaces.
Locations
G1 King St W
G2 Bay Street
G3 King St and Bay St
Key Objectives
St W
King
1. Create engaging wayfinding and information points
Yong
G1 to guide people to the surrounding attractions and

G3
St e
G2
amenities.
Bay
2. Leverage generous setbacks and open spaces to

St
ington
St create streetside invitations to stop and take in the
Well
energy of the city.
Toronto’s Help Desk

Install engaging wayfinding and information kiosks to
direct and inform tourists and visitors about nearby
attractions and amenities.
Activate with Installations

Promote art installations to make people aware of the
generous setbacks and open spaces. Make people
wonder what is happening and invite them to stop by.
Open Air Food Court

Utrecht, Amsterdam, Kaleidoscopic, New York To complement the large worker population, provide
Netherlands City, United States
more healthy, outdoor food options, including rotating
food trucks, kiosks and pop-up vendors. Provide
moveable seating and tables with wifi and charging
stations to invite people to take a break and linger.
Pilot to Permanent
Unleash imagination with eye-catching art installations

and seating options in the generous setbacks and open
spaces in the Financial District. Engage the BIA and local
artists to generate proposals to convert streetside open
spaces into open air seating and sculpture destinations.
Parklet, Vancouver, Canada Pausettes 2010, France
52
STATIONARY ACTIVITY
Plazas at King St and Bay St Stationary Activity Average Stickiness
Hourly Average 7%
Staying
3%
60
111 48% 45%
50 71 63 47
15
Hourly Average
Staying 23%
38% 4%
Weekday Weekend
21
Sitting 60
2 7 21 24 11
Standing
39%
Being Active
King St W (at Bay St) (Age Chart) King St W (at Bay St) Bay St (at King W) 6348

1727 | 520 3687 | 1056
38% 56%
Weekend 3504 3378

39% 49% 7%
1518
0-6
7-14
15-30
31-64
65+

85 | 42 77 | 59
84 120 138
108
Weekday Weekend
Pedestrians
Cyclists
53
Data Highlights
ZONE H • Consistent flow of people walking and staying
YORKVILLE PARK throughout the week.
• No sharp spikes or valleys, indicating a place people
----------------------------------- choose to spend time throughout the day and week.
Locations
H1 Bloor St
H2 Cumberland St
H3 Village of Yorkville Park
Key Objectives
St
and
berl
Cum
H2 ws 1. Indicate Yorkville Park from nearby major streets.
ir Me
Mayfa
2. Build community stewardship to ensure long-term
Bay
H3
Bell
success.
St
air S
3. Document activities and skills needed to replicate

t
H1 this park’s success in other city parks.

rSt
Bloo
Guide the Way

Draw even more people into the park by clearly
indicating the way from Bloor Street, Bay Street, and
Avenue Road.
Community Stewardship
Develop a communication strategy to keep neighbours
informed and involved in park activities. Promote
participatory events to foster a strong community link
with the park to ensure long-term success.
Wayfinding Elements Learn from Success!

Identify the key aspects and activities that make this
park thrive and replicate them in other places as a public
space success strategy.
Pilot to Permanent
Instagramit! Work with local stakeholders to set up

social media accounts for the park. Test how the city can
use social media to gather live feedback from the people
using these spaces.
Wayfinding Elements
54
STATIONARY ACTIVITY
Village of Yorkville Park Stationary Activity Average Stickiness
Hourly Average 10% 1% Staying 71 | Walking 790

Staying
9%
71
119
79 71 75
32 48
89%
Hourly Average 7% 2%
Staying
13%
Weekday Weekend
86
118 125 106
Sitting 54 78
32
Standing
Being Active 91%
Bloor St (Age Chart) Bloor St (at Bellair) Cumberland St (at Bellair)

1859 | 1081 790 | 641
37% 49% 11%
Weekend
36% 52% 9% 2610 2772
1200 1056
0-6
7-14
15-30
31-64
65+

219 | 122 22 | 15
330 342
48
Weekday Weekend
Pedestrians
Cyclists
55
Data Highlights
ZONE I • People are out on University Avenue at lunch hour.
UNIVERSITY AVENUE • Cycling volumes see a spike in the evening rush hour
commute.
----------------------------------- • Among the largest disparity between weekday and
Locations weekend pedestrian volumes and stationary activity
I1 University Ave levels of all zones surveyed in the Downtown.
I2 Elm Street
I3 University Ave and Elm St
Key Objectives
t
ard S
Gerr
Univ
1. Make University Avenue a primary public realm

ersit
Mur
connector and destination for locals and tourists.

Ave y
ra
I3
y St
Elm
St 2. Utilize the Avenue’s scale to optimize and enhance its
I1 I2 park, open space, pedestrian and cycling potential.
3. Enhance and expand the pedestrian realm within a
t
ard S
Edw park setting.
Green Connector
Make the Avenue a connector from the Civic Precinct to
Queen’s Park by providing safe cycling infrastructure
and desirable, canopied clearways for pedestrians.
Civic Destination + Day-to-Day Use

Make University Avenue a destination for civic events
and day to day use by providing flexible and adaptable
public spaces that support multiple urban uses and users.
Include amenities for the worker and patient population
within the Health Sciences District, e.g. seating, tables.
The Bouquinistes, Paris, France
Connected Open Spaces
Integrate open spaces adjacent to the street, including
the existing civic spaces and forecourts of institutions.
Pilot to Permanent
Host pop-ups and cultural performances to invite people

to re-imagine the Avenue as a public space. Experiment
with moveable seating, book stalls, music, installations
and temporary play elements that invite people to stop,
stay and relax within a park-like setting.
Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris, France
56
STATIONARY ACTIVITY
University Ave (at Elm St) Stationary Activity Average Stickiness

Staying
50%
6%
49
139 33%
60 58
26 7 6
Hourly Average 10% 3%

Staying
2%
Weekday Weekend
5
Sitting
5 1 5 4 10 6
Standing 87%
Being Active
University Ave (Age Chart) University Ave (at Bay St) Elm St (at King W)

1542 | 425 408 | 97
25% 65% 7%
Weekend
34% 48% 13%
2106 2184
0-6 858
7-14 258
15-30
31-64
65+

112 | 43 49 | 13
240
108
Weekday Weekend
Pedestrians
Cyclists
57
Data Highlights
ZONE J • Shows a diverse mix of ages during the week.
DAVID CROMBIE PARK • Consistent weekday and weekend volumes of
pedestrians and cyclists.
----------------------------------- • Could be attracting more passersby to stop and
Locations stay.
J1 The Esplanade
J2 Lower Jarvis St
J3 David Crombie Park
Key Objectives
e
anad
Espl
The
1. Invite more people to stroll through, and stay!
Fred
J2
erick
J1 J3 2. Expand and improve Davie Crombie Park and

t
on S
Wilt adjacent streets, school yards and open spaces into
St
Low
a cohesive and connected green link.

er Ja
3. Improve park edge conditions and access points and

rvis
St
ry La
ne enhance the pedestrian realm on adjacent streets.
Hen
Give People Reasons to Stay

Provide flexible amenities that can be used by people
of all ages and abilities to rest or play. Install engaging
seating and objects that invite people to interact.
Green Link
Generate a cohesive and connected green link from
Market Street in the west to the First Parliament Site
and the Distillery District in the east by creating a clear
and inviting path through the park.
Superkilen, Copenhagen, Denmark Streets for People

Improve the park edge conditions for pedestrians on
adjacent streets. Explore opportunities to create special,
shared or flex streets for an enhanced public realm.
Pilot to Permanent
Partner with local schools, community members and the

St Lawrence Market BIA to co-design fun, interactive
installations on the Esplanade and in David Crombie
Park. Try swinging or moving sculptures that encourage
people to stop and play.
The Lawn on D, Boston, United States
58
STATIONARY ACTIVITY
David Crombie Park Stationary Activity Average Stickiness

Staying 23%
10%
48
84 22% 55%
36 47 35 54 30
Hourly Average
Staying 25%
32%
7%
Weekday Weekend
32
Sitting 53
24 48 28 22
18
Standing
Being Active 43%
The Esplanade (Age Chart) The Esplanade (at David Crombie Park) Lower Jarvis (at The Esplanade)

479 | 491 392 | 574
11% 21% 49% 11%
Weekend
41% 38% 13%
1032
0-6 822 708
7-14
15-30
31-64
65+

50 | 66 21 | 48
132
72
Weekday Weekend
Pedestrians
Cyclists
59
Data Highlights
ZONE K • Sherbourne Street is a major cycling route, showing
MOSS PARK the largest morning spike of all survey zones in the
Downtown.
----------------------------------- • Moss Park sees a steady build of staying activity
Locations throughout the day and week.
K1 Sherbourne Street
K2 Queen Street E
K3 Moss Park
Key Objectives
Sher
er St
Shut 1. Promote citizen-led engagement and programming.
bo
urne
Moss 2. Create micro ‘community pockets’ within the park.

Park K1
St
3. Enhance street edges and explore opportunities to

K3
expand the pedestrian realm.
K2
nStE
Quee
Local Community as Co-Creators of the Park Experience

Foster social gathering and community connection
through inclusive programs hosted by community
members that bring neighbours and visitors together in
the park.
Social Pockets
Promote social gathering and community connection by
making it really inviting to stay with small, intimate and
sociable pockets embedded in the park.
Outdoor Bread Oven at Dufferin Grove Park, Toronto, Enhance Street Edges
Canada
Improve the pedestrian realm along park edges by
providing increased pedestrian space, a sense of relief,
and a feeling of a ‘street within a park’.
Pilot to Permanent
Support workshops and pop-ups hosted by community

members to encourage inclusive, interactive programs
rooted in the diversity of the community. For example,
art, performance and food (growing, cooking, festivals)
hosted by and for the local community.
Tree Planting with Seattle Youth CAN, Seattle, United

States
60
STATIONARY ACTIVITY
Moss Park Stationary Activity Average Stickiness

Staying
33%
16%
59
127
55 69
23 43 36 54%
Hourly Average
16% Staying 104 | Walking 264
Staying 36%
39%
Weekday Weekend
104
155 169
119
Sitting 66 74
43
48%
Standing
Being Active
Sherbourne St (Age Chart) Sherbourne St (at Queens St) Queens St (at Stonecutters Ln)

361 | 264 266 | 185
32% 52% 13%
Weekend
28% 52% 18%
0-6
7-14 552 582
450 348
15-30
31-64
65+

363 | 187 103 | 66
972
582
174
138
Weekday Weekend
Pedestrians
Cyclists
61
Data Highlights
ZONE L • Parliament Street and Gerrard Street show high
ANNIVERSARY PARK cycling peaks during commuting hours.
• Anniversary Park is currently attracting few users.
-----------------------------------
Locations
L1 Parliament Street
L2 Gerrard Street
L3 Anniversary Park
Key Objectives
Parli
vans
dward E
ame
Woo
1. Provide safe and inclusive cycling infrastructure on
nt St
L3 L1
Parliament Street and Gerrard Street.
L2
Gerrard 2. Incorporate wayfinding markings into bike lanes to
Berk
St
n
ers L indicate nearby attractions and amenities.
eley
Drov
3. Provide bike services and amenities in the park.
St
Road Diet
Explore reducing the roadway width of the north section
of Gerrard Street East to create better connections to
the park.
Safer Cycling
Create protected cycling infrastructure on Parliament
Street and Gerrard Street to make the routes safer and
more accessible for users of all ages and abilities.
Creative Pavement Markings

Bikeway Belem, Portugal Incorporate wayfinding markings into bike lanes to
indicate distances and routes to nearby attractions such
as the ravines to the north and east and the Distillery
District and waterfront to the south.
Pilot to Permanent
Anniversary Park is situated at the cross-roads of two

major active transportation corridors. Invite local bike
shops to host pop-ups for tune-ups, bike rentals and
workshops. On weekends, partner with the local public
library branch to host outdoor reading rooms in the park.
Pop-Up Bike Shop, San Francisco, United States
62
STATIONARY ACTIVITY
Anniversary Park Stationary Activity Average Stickiness

Staying
36%
6%
22
57
18 23 59%
13 14 9
Hourly Average 4%
Staying
32%
2%
Weekday Weekend 9
Sitting
2 5 9 6 20 11 64%
Standing
Being Active
Parliament St (Age Chart) Parliament St (at Gerrard) Gerrard St (at Parliament)

357 | 367 179 | 108
37% 49% 11%
Weekend
24% 57% 13%
0-6 594
7-14 288
15-30
31-64
65+

103 | 78 106 | 58
216 228
114 126
Weekday Weekend
Pedestrians
Cyclists
63
Data Highlights
ZONE M • Eclectic mix of activity (sitting, standing, being
RIVERDALE PARK WEST active).
• A destination park: low numbers of passersby, but
----------------------------------- people are using the park.
Locations • Consistently high staying activity throughout the
M1 Riverdale Park Rd day and week.
M2 Winchester Street
M3 Riverdale Park West
Key Objectives
er St
hest
Winc
M2 Riverdale 1. Make the park a portal to the ravines by improving
Park West
visual and physical access for all users.
Sum
Raw
M3
ac
2. Create safe and accessible pedestrian and cycling

lings
h St
on S
t M1
Carlt connections into the park and ravines and link to
St
S in clair
on
Gord nearby trails and cycling routes.
3. Draw more people to come and enjoy the park.
Portal to the Wild

Enhance and improve visible and physical connections
between the neighbourhood, the park and the Rosedale
Valley Lands and Don River Valley Ravine. Invite more
users with a universally accessible trail system through
the park.
More Connections
Improve connections to nearby trails and cycling routes,
including Wellesley Street, River Street, the Lower Don
River Trail and Riverdale Park East.
Atlanta BeltLine, Atlanta, United States
City-wide Destination
Celebrate Indigenous cultures and histories of the Don
River Valley with a focus on creative placemaking and
interpretation.
Pilot to Permanent
Develop partnerships with Indigenous communities to

explore opportunities for meaningful, appropriate place
making in the park, as a gateway to the broader Don
River Valley Ravine system.
‘The Bluff’ cultural heritage trail and look-outs, Ypres,

Belgium
64
STATIONARY ACTIVITY
Riverdale Park West Stationary Activity Average Stickiness

Staying
41% 30%
47
68 92
36 44 34 44%
7
Hourly Average 11%

Staying
30%
Weekday Weekend
46
Sitting 55 54 65
32 38 31 69%
Standing
Being Active
Riverdale Park Rd (Age Chart) Riverdale Park Rd (at Carlton St) Winchester St (at Sumach St)

122 | 91 158 | 154
22% 57% 15%
Weekend
10% 7% 27% 45% 11%
0-6
432
7-14 210
15-30
31-64
65+

24 | 25 29 | 18
66 66
Weekday Weekend
Pedestrians
Cyclists
65
Data Highlights
ZONE N • Sees a diverse mix of age groups.
ST. JAMES TOWN • Despite the modest pedestrian traffic, as many
people stay here as in David Pecaut Square.
----------------------------------- • 1 in 6 people who walk by stick around.
Locations • Both on weekdays and the weekend, Ontario Lane
N1 Wellesley Street sees peak staying activity in the late afternoon.
N2 St. James Ave
N3 Ontario Lane
Key Objectives
Ave
N2
mes
St Ja 1. Support local commerce and creativity.
2. Support more activity throughout the day and week.
N3
3. Open up the interior spaces with fine grain
Blee
cker
frontages, better transparency (‘eyes on the street’),

N1
St
St more mid-block connections and clear crossings.

sley
Onta
Welle
rio S
t
Ontario Lane: Community Hub

Provide infrastructure to support events, markets and
pop-up activities on Ontario Lane, hosted by local
artists and entrepreneurs. Expand hours and uses. E.g. a
night market showcasing local creativity and commerce.
Engaging Lighting
Make lighting functional, but also part of the draw with
creative, interactive lighting elements. Invite local
artists to participate in creative installations.
Bell Park Shared Street, a model for Ontario Lane, Seattle, Activate Open Spaces and Edges
United States
Explore opportunities to revitalize interior open spaces
and edges. Activate the edges with fine grain frontages,
micro retail and creative canopies and seating.
Pilot to Permanent
Explore opportunities to activate open spaces, edges

and frontages on Ontario Lane. Engage local artists
and designers to participate in imagining elements that
feel bright, inclusive and safe for all users. E.g. creative
paving, lighting, canopies and seating elements.
Hanging Garden and Lighting, Munich, Germany
66
STATIONARY ACTIVITY
Ontario Lane Stationary Activity Average Stickiness

Staying 27%
25%
10%
46
78 103
22 13 24 35
48%
Hourly Average
Staying
30%
8%
Weekday Weekend
52
127
Sitting 97
31 55 Surveyor 41%
Standing absent
29%
Being Active
Wellesley St (Age Chart) Wellesley St (at Ontario) St. James (at Ontario)

443 | 687 329 | 482
7% 19% 55% 15%
Weekend
8% 8% 23% 46% 16%
1116
0-6 684 720 726
7-14
15-30
31-64
65+

92 | 107 28 | 58
270
186
78
Weekday Weekend
Pedestrians
Cyclists
67
Data Highlights
ZONE O • Low pedestrian volumes on Lowther Avenue and
HURON ST PLAYGROUND Huron Street.
• High volumes of cyclists during commuting hours.
----------------------------------- • Statistically insignificant staying activity.
Locations
O1 Lowther Ave
O2 Huron Street
O3 Huron St Playground
Key Objectives
Ave
O2 ther
Low
Huron
1. Make Huron Playground an outstanding all-season
St G
O1 Playground place to play for children of all ages and abilities.

eo
O3
rge S
2. Enhance spaces and seating options for parents to

t
Huro
hang out and watch their kids play.

n St
ve
3. Create more reasons to come to the park by building
ur A
Arth
Prin
ce neighbourhood assets for the community.
Outstanding Play
Make Huron Playground an outstanding place to play by
providing unconventional and exciting all-season play
facilities.
Play-wait Areas
Create comfortable and attractive areas that invite
parents and caretakers to hang out while kids play.
Social Gathering and Community Connection

Engage the community to participate in small-scale
Brooklyn Bridge Park, New York City, United States neighbourhood markets and events, allowing them to
enjoy the social benefits of this intimate public space.
Pilot to Permanent
Host workshops or pop-ups with neighbourhood kids or

school groups to explore what they would like to see or
do in their own dream playground.
Terra Nova Play Experience, Richmond, Canada
68
STATIONARY ACTIVITY
Huron St Playground Stationary Activity Average Stickiness

Staying 25% 40%
5%
7
10 8 7 2 8 5
35%
Hourly Average
Staying 37%
3%
Weekday Weekend 4
Sitting
3 11 4 1 2 3
Standing 42%
Being Active
Lowther Ave (Age Chart) Lowther Ave (at Huron) Huron St (at Lowther)

147 | 118 156 | 66
33% 42% 11%
Weekend
42% 48% 7%
0-6
7-14 258 252 342 300
15-30
31-64
65+

130 | 55 78 | 17
234
192 186
114 108
Weekday Weekend
Pedestrians
Cyclists
69
Data Highlights
ZONE P • Leading cycling volumes on Adelaide Street during
ST. JAMES PARK evening commuting hours.
• Consistently high staying volumes on weekdays and
----------------------------------- weekends.
Locations
P1 King Street E
P2 Adelaide Street
P3 St. James Park
St Key Objectives
bard
Lom
P2 1. Improve and expand park edges.

St James
Jarv
Park 2. Create a cohesive green link from St. James Park to

is St
P3
Chur
Market Lane Park and St. Lawrence Market.

ch S
P1
St E
3. Opportunity to inject some of the qualities we heard
t
King
from engagement: lush and green, whimsy, play, etc.
Expand Park Edges

Broaden the edges of St. James Park to extend the
public life experience of the park into surrounding
streets, including the curbside lanes of King Street.
Green Connections
Create a cohesive green link to connect via Market Lane
Park to St. Lawrence Market. Improve pedestrian mid-
block and intersection crossings.
More Public Life

Columbia Road Flower Market, London, England Engage local designers to create playful, relaxing
seating options to support people’s desire to lounge in
this park throughout the day and week.
Pilot to Permanent
Host a summer flower market that extends from St.

James Park into the curbside lanes of King Street and
via Market Lane Park to St. Lawrence Market. Test
evening activities to invite people to enjoy the park
after dark. E.g. concerts, movies, festivals and light
installations.
Place des Festivals, Quartier des Spectacles, Montreal,
Canada
70
STATIONARY ACTIVITY
St. James Park Stationary Activity Average Stickiness

Staying 15%
8%
75
113 89
83 66 59
39
78%
Hourly Average 4%
Staying
12%
Weekday Weekend 57
Sitting 71 88 61
31 50 39
Standing
84%
Being Active
Lowther Ave (Age Chart) King St (at St. James Park) Adelaide (at St. James Park)

990 | 483 376 | 202
44% 5 0%
Weekend
33% 53% 11%
1638
1266
0-6
7-14 578
15-30
31-64
65+

69 | 36 172 | 59
582
138 114
72
Weekday Weekend
Pedestrians
Cyclists
71
72
3. Summary Sheets
Data summary
73
Summary Sheets
WALKING
A closer look at the number of pedestrians observed walking on all streets surveyed in the Downtown on weekdays.
WEEKDAY
Location Name Zone Hourly 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000
Bay St G 2 3687
King St W E 2 2246
King St W E 1 2103
Queen St W D 2 2048
Bloor St W H 1 1859
King St W G 1 1727
King St W C 2 1140
King St E P 1 990
Queens Quay F 2 967
Kensington Ave A 2 942
University Ave I 1 863
Spadina Ave (N) C 1 805
Bay St F 1 800
Cumberland St H 2 790
Spadina Ave (S) C 1 620
Baldwin St A 1 511
The Esplanade J 1 479
Wellesley St E N 1 443
Elm St I 3 408
Dundas St W B 1 406
Lower Jarvis St J 2 392
Adelaide St P 2 376
Sherbourne St K 1 361
Parliament St L 1 357
St James Ave N 2 329
Bathurst St B 2 304
Queen St E K 2 266
Gerrard St E L 2 179
Winchester St M 2 158
Huron St O 2 156
Lowther Ave O 1 147
Riverdale Park Rd M 1 122
St Patricks Market D 1 33
74
WALKING
A closer look at the number of pedestrians observed walking on all streets surveyed in the Downtown on weekends.
WEEKEND
Location Name Zone Hourly 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000
Bay St F 1 1731
Queen St W D 2 1472
Queens Quay F 2 1465
King St W E 1 1126
Bloor St W H 1 1081
Bay St G 2 1056
King St W E 2 1028
King St W C 2 754
King St W G 1 520
King St E P 1 483
St James Ave N 2 482
Baldwin St A 1 475
Dundas St W B 1 427
Bathurst St B 2 274
Adelaide St P 2 202
Queen St E K 2 185
Lowther Ave O 1 118
Elm St I 3 97
Huron St O 2 66
75
CYCLING
A closer look at the number of cyclists observed on all streets surveyed in the Downtown on weekdays.
WEEKDAY
Location Name Zone Hourly 0 100 200 300 400 500

Queens Quay F 2 367
Dundas St W B 1 240
Bloor St W H 1 219
Adelaide St P 2 172
Queen St W D 2 139
Lowther Ave O 1 130
Queen St E K 2 103
King St W E 2 94
Bathurst St B 2 88
King St W C 2 88
King St W E 1 85
King St W G 1 85
Huron St O 2 78
Bay St G 2 77
King St E P 1 69
Elm St I 3 49
Bay St F 1 47
Baldwin St A 1 40
St James Ave N 2 28
76
CYCLING
A closer look at the number of cyclists observed on all streets surveyed in the Downtown on weekends.
WEEKEND
Location Name Zone Hourly 0 100 200 300 400 500

Queens Quay F 2 570
Dundas St W B 1 150
Bloor St W H 1 122
Bathurst St B 2 84
Queen St W D 2 82
Queen St E K 2 66
Bay St F 1 61
King St W C 2 60
Bay St G 2 59
Adelaide St P 2 59
Gerrard St E L 2 58
St James Ave N 2 58
Lowther Ave O 1 55
King St W G 1 42
King St W E 2 38
King St E P 1 36
Baldwin St A 1 33
King St W E 1 33
Huron St O 2 17
Elm St I 3 13
77
STAYING
A closer look at daily total staying activity in Downtown spaces on weekdays and weekends.
WEEKDAY
Location Name Zone Daily
Total 0 250 500 750 1000
Harbour Square Park F 3 487
Alexandra Park B 3 484
St. James Park P 3 449
Village of Yorkville Park H 3 424
King St. W/Bay St. G 3 357
Moss Park K 3 353
David Pecaut Square E 3 335
University Ave./Elm St. I 4 296
David Crombie Park J 3 286
Riverdale Park M 3 281
St James Ave./Wellesley St. E N 3 275
St. Patricks Square D 3 262
Clarence Square Park C 4 140
Anniversary Park L 3 134
Baldwin St/Kensington Ave A 3 120
Huron St. Playground O 3 40
WEEKEND
Location Name Zone Daily
Total 0 250 500 750 1000 2000
Harbour Square Park F 3 2197
Moss Park K 3 626
Village of Yorkville Park H 3 513
Alexandra Park B 3 400
St. Patricks Square D 3 381
St. James Park P 3 340
St James Ave./Wellesley St. E N 3 310
Riverdale Park M 3 275
Baldwin St/Kensington Ave A 3 249
David Crombie Park J 3 193
Clarence Square Park C 4 177
David Pecaut Square E 3 128
King St. W/Bay St. G 3 125
Anniversary Park L 3 53
University Ave./Elm St. I 4 31
Huron St. Playground O 3 24
78
GENDER
A closer look at the gender balance on streets in the Downtown on weekdays and weekends.
WEEKEND
Men Women
100% 75% 50% 25% 0% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
Bloor St W H1
Lowther Ave O1
University Ave I1
King St W E1
Spadina Ave C1
The Esplanade J1
Bay St F1
Dundas St W B1
King St E P1
Parliament St L1
King St W G1
Baldwin St A1
St Patricks Mrkt D1
Riverdale Park Rd M1
Wellesley St E N1
Sherbourne St K1
WEEKDAY
Men Women
100% 75% 50% 25% 0% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
The Esplanade J1
University Ave I1
Lowther Ave O1
Bloor St W H1
King St W E1
Spadina Ave C1
Parliament St L1
King St E P1
Dundas St W B1
King St W G1
Baldwin St A1
Bay St F1
Wellesley St E N1
Riverdale Park Rd M1
Sherbourne St K1
St Patricks Mrkt D1
79
AGE
A closer look at streets that are age-friendly, as represented by the average number of pedestrians under 14 years old and
over 65 years old.
WEEKDAY Percentage under 14 years old and over 65 years old:
Location Name Zone Daily Total 0 25% 50% 75% 100%

The Esplanade J 1 29%
Wellesley St E N 1 26%
Lowther Ave O 1 25%
Riverdale Park Rd M 1 21%
Baldwin St A 1 20%
Sherbourne St K 1 16%
Bay St F 1 15%
Dundas St W B 1 15%
Parliament St L 1 14%
Bloor St W H 1 14%
King St W E 1 11%
St Patricks Market D 1 11%
University Ave I 1 10%
Spadina Ave C 1 8%
King St E P 1 6%
King St W G 1 6%
WEEKEND
Location Name Zone Daily Total 0 25% 50% 75% 100%
Wellesley St E N 1 32%
Riverdale Park Rd M 1 28%
Bay St F 1 23%
The Esplanade J 1 21%
Sherbourne St K 1 20%
Parliament St L 1 20%
University Ave I 1 18%
King St W E 1 17%
Dundas St W B 1 15%
King St E P 1 14%
Spadina Ave C 1 13%
Bloor St W H 1 13%
King St W G 1 12%
Baldwin St A 1 10%
Lowther Ave O 1 9%
St Patricks Market D 1 6%
80
INTERCEPT SURVEYS
In 2016, we interviewed 50 people in each of the following spaces: Yorkville Park, University Avenue, St. James Town, King
St and Bay St, Harbour Square, David Pecaut Square, and Alexandra Park.
81
PUBLIC SPACE PUBLIC LIFE STUDY: INTERCEPT SURVEY DATA INDEX
VISIT FREQUENCY
Daily
Weekly
Every few months
Rarely
No Survey
DURATION
Walk through
5 min
10 min
15 min
30 min
1 hr +
UNPLANNED INTERACTIONS
Never
Often, but not today
Yes, Today
GENDER
Male
Female
Other
82
83
AGE
15-19
20-30
31-40
41-64
65+
EDUCATION
9th grade or less

High School (incomplete)
High School (complete)
No degree
Bachelors or Associates Degree
Graduate or Professional Degree
EMPLOYMENT
Employed full-time
Employed part-time
Unemployed
Student
Retired
COMBINED ANNUAL INCOME
0-10k
10-20k
20-30k
30-40k
40-50k
50-60k
60-80k
80-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
84
85
TRANSPORTATION MODE
REASON FOR VISIT

Weekday
Weekend
86
87

2018 10 15 Downtown Parks Public Realm Plan Public Space Public Life Study

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Downtown

We acknowledge that the City of Toronto is located

Prepared for the City of Toronto

City of Toronto team:

1. Public Space Public Life Study

4 Public Space Public Life Study

40 Zone A: Kensington Market

Public Space Public Life Study

What is a PSPL Study? And How is it Done?

Public life is Spontaneous. It has a life of its own. Public

Favourite Places Outcome: Establishing Toronto’s Quality Criteria

What qualities do Torontonians appreciate today and

6 Whimsical 7 All Season Play 8 Outdoor Relax 9 Spontaneous 10 Fine Grain

1. Riverdale Park and Riverdale Farm (18) 1. Queen’s Park (8)

Toronto’s Favourite Places

An online survey tool (Social Pinpoint) helped us reach

Toronto’s Public Space Public Life Study

The PSPL Study helps gain perspective on where

Walking Cycling Running

Lighting Seating Materials

What are the characteristics of places in the Downtown

“This playground is the best in the

Grange Park, Toronto, Canada

Yorkville Park Staying

St. James Park

Yorkville Park, Toronto, Canada

Clarence Square Staying

King & Bay Plazas

St. Patrick’s Square

David Pecaut Square

St. Patrick’s Square, Toronto, Canada

URBAN DESIGN CONTEXT

Toronto Quality Criteria Present in

Fine Places to Sit Lush & Green

Safe Dynamic &

Places to Dynamic Whimsical

URBAN DESIGN CONTEXT

Places to Sit Lush & Green

Food & Drink Safe

One Choice of Dynamic Whimsical

All Season Play Outdoor Relax

Spontaneous Fine Grain

1/3 People recognized others

A Place to Spend Time

83% Spend 30 minutes or longer.

54% Visit Alexandra Park on a

Alexandra Park, Toronto, Canada

To get a deeper understanding of who

ST. JAMES TOWN

The public spaces in St. James

1/2 People recognized others

63% Spend 30 minutes or longer.

95% Visit on a weekly basis.

Beautification project in St. James Town: A collaboration between

There are some hidden gems in Toronto that meet many

How well do streets in the Downtown invite people

“Relaxation on the street!”

King Street, Toronto, Canada (photo by Stephanie Braconnier)

All streets surveyed in the Downtown:

to spend time outside of commuting hours. 3000

504 Average people per hour on

3000 40% drop on

Financial District, at non-peak (left) and peak (right) hours,